tops out at 4200

[Explorer]

no I did not realize that there where two slots in the DSII for vac advance, but engines does with vac advance unhoocked too. and not only can I now here the valve noise (basically sitting on top of it with no dog house) it takes a few seconds for the engine to recover after a run up, so thats why I'm starting to lean toward valve float. So was thinking of trying a stiffer valve spring. This being said can I buy just any 289 valve spring from napa? or is there a perticulare one?

Not for the vacuum, the slots control how much mechanical advance it adds, like a 10L slot will only allow 20 degrees and a 15L slot would allow 30 degrees.

 

[JackFish]

Right. So which slot are you using?

 

[wtrmrk]

There is a 13 slot and a 18great slot I am in the 13regulator slot

 

[falcon fanatic]

When you say you are hearing clatter from the valve train, keep in mind that detonation can sound simlar. My engine used to fall on its face at 4200 even with a header and a 2v on adapter. When I installed a ported, big valve 2v converted head with slightly higher compression and 1.65:1 rockers I only picked up about 600 + rpm. So yeah, the stock head and exhaust should peak around 4200. Now with a cam I pull an easy 6000, but not before.

 

[Explorer]

There is a 13 slot and a 18great slot I am in the 13regulator slot

Thats best you can do with that distributor without some modifying. You double the slot number so that's 26 degrees plus your initial advance of 10 gives you 36 degrees without vacuum hooked up. Not solving your problem, just giving you information.